Bernice Johnson Obituary

Johnson
Bernice Barber
Johnson
November 3, 1932
September 15, 2023

Bernice Louise Johnson, beloved mother of Scott Johnson (Allison), was ushered peacefully into heaven on September 15, 2023. She was lovingly known to family, friends and colleagues as Berni Barber Johnson.
Berni was born in St. Louis, Mo. on November 3, 1932, to Alva and Everett Barber.
As a child, Berni's family moved to Tulsa, Okla. and established Barber Antiques where they bought and sold antiques from all over Europe. Berni developed her love for jewelry through her parents' business.
Berni attended the prestigious Tobé-Coburn School for fashion in New York City in 1950. She also attended college in Missouri.
In 1953 Berni was referred to Robert (Bob) Johnson regarding a legal matter. Shortly after their initial meeting, Bob bought a wedding ring and a new car and drove it to Tulsa, where Berni was living, to see her and to meet her parents. Bob knew Bernie was the love of his life.
Berni and Bob were married in May 1954 in Santa Fe, NM. They were married for 54 years before Bob's passing in 2008.
Over the years and decades, Berni grew her jewelry business with dedication and passion. She was respected, locally and nationally, for her knowledge, keen eye and expertise in the field of gemology and jewelry design.
Berni moved her expanding business (circa 1980's) from their home to the carriage house behind the Tejon Law Building in Colorado Springs where her husband, Bob, and son, Scott, practiced law.
From there, Berni opened Berni Barber Johnson Jewelry in the old Perkins Shearer building on Tejon Street in Colorado Springs where Berni enjoyed being part of the community. After several years, Berni decided to have a smaller business footprint and moved her business to Cottonwood for the Arts where she established the Tiny Jewel Box.
Additionally, Berni studied French and Gemology and belonged to the Gemological Institute of America.
Berni loved her husband, her son, family and life with deep affection. She also enjoyed travelling with Bob's classic car club as well as international travel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Annette and Jeanne and her husband, Bob. Berni is survived by Scott (Allison), and granddaughters Kelsey (Chris) and Kayla (Trevor) and great grandson, Robert.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service on December 9th at 12:00pm at the Unity Spiritual Center of the Rockies, 1945 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Humane Society of Colorado Springs.